Volunteer volunteer roles in leatherhead, surrey
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Do you want your work to have an impact? Use your skills in a meaningful way? Professors Without Borders is growing and is looking for a volunteer that has an interest in Monitoring and Evaluation, and has a passion for education to join our community.
Summary
Professors Without Borders is a UK and Luxembourg registered charity with a mission to improve access to quality education (SDG4) for all.
This is a voluntary, remote opportunity with flexible responsibilities. It’s an ideal position for those looking to learn new skills, grow their network, and give back by contributing their expertise to a meaningful cause. You will align with our core values, believe passionately in the power of education, and uphold our ethical standards.
We are looking for a volunteer with strong analytical skills who wants to support our efforts in assessing the impact and effectiveness of our programmes. Initially your role will focus on basic data analysis and entry for our programme surveys. As we improve our M&E capacity, there will also be opportunities to contribute your insights and suggestions to help strengthen our overall design.
Who We’re Looking For
The ideal candidate will have:
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A passion for education and belief in our mission
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Familiarity with Excel / Google Sheets, and Monday. com
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Experience in data collection, survey design, statistical analysis would be an asset
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A proactive attitude, reliable, punctual, and possess an eagerness to learn
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Attention to detail and organisational skills
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Strong written and verbal communication skills
Key Responsibilities:
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Collect, clean, and analyse qualitative and quantitative data collected from programme surveys
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Occasionally compile reports from these results
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Help identify trends, challenges, and areas for improvement across M&E efforts
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Support the future design and implementation of additional M&E tools
Why Volunteer With Us?
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Make a meaningful impact on global education
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Gain valuable research experience
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Expand your professional network
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Flexible remote work fitting your schedule
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Last year 786,574 people were offered information and support from Victim Support. As a Service Delivery Volunteer you will provide specialist support services for people affected by crime.
Why volunteer with us?
- Make a difference - you will volunteer directly with victims and/or alongside staff.
- Gain skills and experience - you will receive training on how to provide practical and emotional support.
- Join our community - you will be part of a large community of over 1,500 volunteers and staff.
- Beyond your role – attend one or our many events/webinars and join one of our six Equality, Diversity & Inclusion networks.
Volunteering with Victim Support in West Midlands
As a Volunteer your role will include:
- Contacting services users to conduct a needs assessment, identifying service user needs and services to be delivered
- Deliver the appropriate services consisting of emotional and practical support
- Signpost to other organisations where needed, and complete onward referrals where consent has been obtained from the victim.
- Advocate for service users with other organisations where appropriate e.g. with the police, housing associations etc.
What do we ask of you?
In order to join us as a Service Delivery Volunteer, you must:
- Be 18 years of age or over.
- Be able to volunteer for at least 3 hours per week, for at least 12 months.
- Undertake training over a 10-week period – this includes five virtual training days as well as completing a workbook and online learning modules.
- Undertake an enhanced DBS check & be part of the DBS update service.
- Be able to provide two satisfactory references.
Have an active email address that you are comfortable using in order to engage with VS communications.
Expenses
- All Victim Support volunteers are entitled to out-of-pocket expenses incurred whilst volunteering, including travel and lunch.
Diversity Matters
- VS strives to represent the diverse communities we serve and are passionate about creating an environment where all staff and volunteers feel respected and heard. Being a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture is integral to us being able to meet our aim of ensuring that anyone who is a victim of crime gets the support they need.
- VS is also a Disability Confident Employer and we provide a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates that are disabled and meet all essential criteria for a role.
- We are happy to make reasonable adjustments to support you through the application process.
Want to find out more?
- If you have any questions or would like to find out more about this role, please contact the Volunteer Manager Steven Postans (details can be found on the Victim Support volunteering opportunities webiste)
Download the role description for more details
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We take children on voyages as readers and writers. Volunteer with us to join the adventure!
Who are Literacy Pirates?
Through our term-long after-school programmes, we develop the literacy, confidence and perseverance of children aged 9-13 who are falling behind in school and have fewer opportunities in their personal lives, so that they can succeed at school and beyond.
Children join us on our Virtual Ship once a week to practise their reading and writing. By welcoming them into our joyful spaces, publishing their work in the real world, and celebrating everything they do, we develop their literacy, confidence and perseverance.
What does a Volunteer do?
As a Volunteer Crewmate, your role is to join our online sessions and help children practise their reading and writing in small groups by providing constant encouragement, positivity and celebration of their achievements.
Sessions are led and managed by staff, which means your time is solely focused on supporting the children in breakout rooms.
You will:
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Receive full training.
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Gain experience working with children and leading small groups online.
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Develop your communication, leadership, problem-solving and digital skills.
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Take part in games and have fun.
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Be invited to virtual celebration events with the children to see the difference that you’ve made.
We offer employment references, for volunteers who have fulfilled their commitment of 12 sessions with us.
What are we looking for?
We ask volunteers to give just three hours per month, although you are welcome to volunteer as frequently as you like!
Sessions run every weekday during term time from 3:45 to 6:15 p.m. and you will have the flexibility to select which sessions you would like to attend. Please note, we do not run sessions during half terms or the Christmas, Easter and Summer holidays.
No experience is required to become a volunteer – just a desire to help children develop their reading and writing skills! Full training is provided.
All we ask is that you:
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Are aged 16+
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Must be a UK resident
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Complete a criminal background check (we cover the cost of this)
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Have access to a laptop or desktop computer with a working webcam and microphone (mobile devices are unsuitable for this role)
We develop the literacy, confidence and perseverance of children who are falling behind in class and have fewer opportunities in their personal lives.


The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Across the UK, our 270 local groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.
We are looking to recruit a Communications Volunteer for the Wandsworth Group. As our Communications Volunteer you’ll make sure people know they have a local MS Society group to turn to.
In this role you’ll be able to develop your writing skills, and gain an experience of communicating across a range of digital channels.
Time commitment
We estimate this role will need around 2 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.
This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.
About you
You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.
You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the area the group to carry out this role.
Apply
1. Read through the role description carefully
2. Please apply online
The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About Long Covid Support
Long Covid Support is a UK-based charity providing peer support, information, and advocacy for people living with Long Covid. We also campaign for better recognition, research, and care.
What will you be doing (role overview)?:
We’re looking for an experienced Volunteer Website Manager to maintain and develop our online presence. You’ll ensure our website is accurate, accessible, user-friendly, and aligned with our brand. The role involves regular updates to content, troubleshooting basic technical issues, and working with the team to improve user experience.
What are we looking for (about you)?
- Experience: Minimum 3–5 years’ professional experience managing websites, ideally with WordPress or a similar CMS.
- Knowledge: Strong understanding of accessibility best practices and SEO principles.
- Technical Skills: Experience with basic image editing and formatting for web.
- Personal Qualities: Ability to work independently, prioritise tasks, and meet deadlines.
- Approach: Comfortable managing updates and improvements with minimal supervision.
- Application requirement: Please include links to 2–3 websites you have managed or worked on, along with a brief description of your role in each.
What difference will you make:
- The opportunity to take ownership of the digital front door for a national health charity.
- Experience delivering high-quality online content that directly benefits our community.
- Flexible, remote volunteering alongside a collaborative and supportive team.
Key Responsibilities:
- Update and maintain website content, structure, and functionality.
- Upload new resources, blog posts, and campaign materials.
- Optimise pages for accessibility, SEO, and usability.
- Troubleshoot basic technical issues, liaising with developers when needed.
- Implement design and content improvements in collaboration with the team.
Equal ops statement:
We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We provide equal opportunities for all, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. We actively encourage applications from all individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those with lived experience of Long Covid.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Volunteer ESOL Teacher to provide classes for refugees, asylum seekers and migrants. You will plan and deliver lessons independently with the assistance of experienced ESOL teachers. Your students will be from a wide range of abilities, backgrounds and ages.
We run classes from Monday to Thursday from 10 am until 12.
Although previous teaching experience is not compulsory, CELTA and TEFL would be appreciated.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Be a hero to a young person in care!
Are you looking for a meaningful, long-term volunteering role where you can make a positive difference in a young person’s life?
If yes, we have the perfect opportunity for you!
We’re seeking compassionate, reliable adults to become Independent Visitors - volunteer mentors and trusted friends to children and young people in care.
What is an Independent Visitor?
An Independent Visitor (IV) is a volunteer befriender and mentor who visits a young person in care once a month, usually on weekends, to enjoy fun, supportive activities together. As an IV, you’ll be a consistent, caring adult outside their professional network - someone who chooses to be there, just for them.
This is a long-term role, and we ask volunteers to commit to at least two years to help build a strong, stable relationship.
We’re especially keen to hear from volunteers based in or near London and Kent, where many of our young people live.
Why it matters
Young people in care often face instability and frequent change. Having a consistent adult who listens, encourages and simply spends time with them can be life changing.
“My IV is the one person who’s always there for me. They make me feel like I matter.” Young Person in Care.
Who can volunteer?
You don’t need previous experience - just the right values and commitment. We’re looking for caring people who are:
- Friendly and approachable
- Patient, empathetic and consistent
- A good listener
- Committed to visiting once a month for at least two years
- Willing to complete training and safeguarding checks
We particularly welcome applications from male volunteers and individuals from Black, Asian and other underrepresented communities.
What will you be doing?
As an Independent Visitor, you’ll:
- Meet your young person once a month for activities like going to the cinema, bowling, exploring parks or just having a chat
- Suggest age-appropriate outings based on their interests
- Keep in touch between visits with a weekly call or message (if they’d like)
- Occasionally join in on group events
- Create meaningful, lasting memories
Please note that all travel and activity expenses will be covered.
Training & ongoing support
Before you start, we’ll provide:
- Full initial training
- Ongoing support and one-to-one supervision
- Access to additional training through Southwark’s volunteer resources
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you passionate about making a real impact through sport and mental health? VSS (Virtual Soccer Schools) is looking for a proactive and driven Volunteer Fundraising Lead to help shape and deliver our fundraising strategy.
This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key role in an organisation that empowers the next generation through innovative programs combining football and mental health support. As our Fundraising Lead, you’ll help secure the resources we need to grow—whether through commercial sponsorship, or corporate, trust, and foundation income.
We’re looking for someone who is:
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Experienced or enthusiastic about fundraising and relationship-building
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Passionate about community development and youth empowerment
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Strategic, self-motivated, and great at seeing opportunities for impact
Time Commitment:
Part-time, volunteer basis—approx. one day per week, with flexibility around your schedule.
Join us in using football as a force for good. Apply now and help drive meaningful change.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Summary: Driving medical communication and patient-led research agenda for a complex medical condition
Description: You could make a real difference to the lives of patients and doctors struggling with a rare disease. That's what we do at Mast Cell Action - a charity dedicated to supporting the Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) patient community and improving the evidence base for the disease.
We work hand-in-hand with doctors and patients to develop materials that truly make a difference. And with the help of our medical advisory panel, we're constantly improving our activities to better serve our community.
But we're not done yet. We're looking for someone with a genuine interest in this area, with medical, health, NHS, and research experience to join our team. You'll be responsible for developing and executing our strategy to engage with the medical community, research organisations, NHS policymakers, and our community as a whole.
You'll lead multiple projects, collaborating with doctors to better understand and define our community, as well as initiating and executing new projects. And with your expertise, you'll ensure that all our communications are evidence-based and informative.
So, if you're passionate about making a real difference, come and join us at Mast Cell Action. Together, we can create a brighter future for patients and doctors alike.
You will lead a team of passionate volunteers and interns, working closely with our Operations Director to drive our mission forward. One of your key responsibilities will be to nurture and grow our Medical Advisory Panel, working hand-in-hand with supportive doctors and medical institutions. You'll be the face of the charity, representing us in all our interactions with these key stakeholders.
You’ll report directly to our trustee board, ensuring that all of our activities are aligned with our overall strategy and goals.
We're looking for a dynamic individual who can inspire and motivate their team to achieve great things. If you're passionate about healthcare and have experience working with medical institutions, this is the perfect opportunity for you. So why not join us at Mast Cell Action and help us make a real difference in the lives of patients and doctors?
What impact will they have?
At Mast Cell Action, we know that communicating, engaging, and educating the medical community and policy makers is crucial if we want to improve support for MCAS patients. And that's where you come in.
As our communications expert, you'll play a pivotal role in advancing patient care over time. You'll work closely with doctors, medical institutions, and policy makers to raise awareness of MCAS and advocate for better support for patients.
By effectively communicating the importance of MCAS and engaging with key stakeholders, you'll help improve patient outcomes and quality of life in the long run.
If you're passionate about making a real difference and have experience in healthcare communications, this is the perfect opportunity for you.
About the volunteer
What skills should they have
We are looking for a volunteer who has experience in the NHS and medical/research environment. If you're someone who can assess a situation and develop a clear strategy to achieve the desired outcome, we want to hear from you.
As our ideal candidate, you're an effective communicator who can engage with doctors and produce written and visual materials that really make an impact. You're also a team player who can work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Managing projects and team members is second nature to you, and you're able to keep everyone on track and motivated. And with your awareness of the political and economic landscape in the area of complex diseases, you can navigate through any obstacles that come your way.
If you're passionate about making a real difference in the lives of patients with complex diseases and have the experience we're looking for, we want you on our team at Mast Cell Action.
Skills
Medical related background
Medical writing skills
Project management
Team management
Analytical and conversant with research methodologies
Where and when
Work remotely, flexible hours
Meetings in London
Trips to medical conferences around uk
Reasonable Expenses covered.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Based in the Reception of the Main Gallery, you will be the first point of contact for visitors to the Gallery, giving a warm welcome, assisting with enquiries and ensuring a high-quality visitor experience. You will also support the day to day running of the Gallery, dealing with administrative duties and supporting the Gallery Shop, sharing product information with visitors and taking sales.
Tasks and Responsibilities
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Welcoming and engaging visitors, providing information about the gallery and programmes
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Responding to telephone, email and face to face enquiries
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Being a visible presence in the Gallery space, ensuring everyone’s safety and the security of artwork and our retail space
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Guiding visitors around the gallery and wider site
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Assisting with sales and shop displays, including cash handling
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Maintaining a neat and tidy reception and retail area
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Supporting our retail work, with stocktaking, pricing and other tasks
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Monitoring visitor numbers and contributing to evaluation initiatives
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Representing the Gallery and Richmond Arts Service
What we hope you will get from the role
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The opportunity to meet new people and engage with the local community
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Improved and demonstrable administration and communication skills
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Valuable insight and experience of a contemporary art gallery, crossing the arts, cultural and heritage sectors
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An understanding of the breadth of arts activity offered by Richmond Arts Service
Training and Support
We will provide training and an induction which covers all aspects of the role. On-going support and supervision will be provided by staff throughout your time with us. Additionally, there are regular training sessions to supplement and further your initial training, as well as a varied programme of volunteer events and activities to join in, meet people and learn something new!
Desirable qualities and experience
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Enthusiasm for meeting and engaging with people and sharing information
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Interest for contemporary art, local history and/or heritage
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Able to answer enquiries in a friendly and helpful manner
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Willingness to learn, particularly administrative skills
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Enjoys being part of a team
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Ability to complete tasks independently
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Good time keeping
Availability
The gallery is open to the public Tuesday to Sunday, 10am – 5pm, with two volunteer shifts a day, 10am – 1pm and 1pm – 5pm.
We ask for a minimum commitment of one shift every fortnight, although there is flexibility over scheduling.
Location
This role is based at Orleans House Gallery in the Main Gallery building.
Expenses
We will cover travel expenses up to £14 per day.
How to Apply
Please complete our application form through our website.
Our Volunteers Co-ordinator will then contact you for an introductory chat, to learn more about your interest in volunteering and discuss the role further.
Background
Richmond Arts Service is based at Orleans House Gallery on the Riverside in Twickenham, promoting arts and culture through a programme of contemporary art exhibitions, festivals, events and activities for everyone in the community.
We foster creativity and enjoyment of the arts, enable people to reflect on their lives and develop new ways of seeing the world. We bring thought-provoking art to the Borough and cultivate a network of individuals, organisations and programmes that nourishes the arts, local organisations and communities.
Home to the Richmond Borough Art Collection, comprising of over 4,400 artworks, at a site with a rich 300+ year history, Orleans House Gallery works with local, national and international artists and community partners to engage with the community, as we have done since 1972.
Building community through creativity
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Come and join our friendly team and boost your customer service and retail skills!
We are looking for volunteers who enjoy being part of a team and who are willing to serve customers in a helpful and polite way.
We have lots of opportunities at flexible times, including speaking to customers and operating the till on the shop floor, tagging clothes and steaming in the back room and much more.
No experience is necessary as full training is provided.
Apply here or give us a ring at our Southwater shop for more information and ask for Charlie.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
ABOUT IRMO
IRMO works to enable the development, agency, and participation of Latin Americans and other Spanish and Portuguese speakers, by responding to both immediate needs and structural inequalities. We do this by offering high-quality information and advice services, opportunities for development and training, and a platform to seek social and systemic change.
Our work is organised across three main operational areas - Advice and Casework; Education, Training and Employment; Children and Young People - and a cross-cutting area -Advocacy, Research, Policy Mapping and Campaigning.
ABOUT OUR COMMUNITY SUPPORT TEAM
The Community Support team acts as the main point of contact for the Latin American community and IRMO, where we identify their needs and enquiries, triage the support and services to be allocated and share relevant information. The Welcome Area plays a key role in the daily operations of the organisation; offering a range of support services, which include interpreting, referrals and signposting, broadcast of information and events, amongst others.
ABOUT THE ROLE
As a Community Interpreter at IRMO, you will be a vital point of contact for our community of Latin American users. You will help users overcome the language barrier to access essential services to build a more integrated life in the UK.
MAIN TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
● You will assist service users with processes such as opening a bank account, reporting hate crime, applying for National Insurance Number, driving license, Oyster card or Freedom Pass and understanding bills and making payment plans.
● You will also help to create informative materials to facilitate the effective delivery of our services. This is an exciting opportunity for anyone who wants to understand the challenges faced by our community, gain experience in customer service and use their language skills in a positive and impactful way.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
● Good verbal and written communication skills in English and Portuguese are essential (Spanish desirable).
● Ability to work effectively as a member of a team and with a diverse population of users, staff and partners.
● A caring, sensitive and non-judgemental approach.
● The ability to cope with stressful and emotionally challenging issues.
● Professionalism to handle sensitive and confidential information.
● Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
● Ability to set their own work priorities, take initiatives and work with minimal supervision
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
● Two references from current/previous employers
● Enhanced DBS Check (completed through IRMO)
● Safeguarding Level 1 (completed through IRMO)
● One month trial period
BENEFITS FROM VOLUNTEERING AT IRMO
● Gives the opportunity of helping others and to give back
● Creates an ideal space to learn new skills in a multicultural, cooperative and inspiring environment
● Get involved with the Latin American Community and increase knowledge of the situation of Latin American migrants in the UK
● Helps to gain experience and strengthen previous skills to face UK’s competitive job market;
● Enhance CV and get references (after a 3-month period) for further impact on the employment status
● Participate in training sessions with high-quality learning outcomes (in-house and external) in areas related to the role
● Receive regular supervision and support.
Led by and for the community, we support the development, agency and participation of all Latin Americans and Spanish and Portuguese-speaking migrants
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Here’s 5 reasons you’ll love to volunteer in our shops:
1. It's fun
2. It's flexible
3. You'll learn and share skills
4. You'll be making a difference
5. You'll work with a great team
We’re passionate about what we do, and love giving second-hand clothing a chance of going to a good home. Our shop teams are key to raising vital funds for our work and act as incredible advocates for the rights of children both in the UK and around the world.
Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests.
Volunteering in the shop
Our gorgeous shop in historic Windsor has been at the heart of the community since the early 1990’s (it’s truly vintage!) and has in recent years been transformed into a bespoke Mary’s Living & Giving store.
Our Windsor Shop Volunteers are in the middle of it all, and there’s plenty to get involved with. You might be sorting and pricing stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, creating fantastic window displays or keeping our shop floor looking organised.
It’s up to you how much you commit. We have volunteers who support for a couple of hours a week and some do more. Many people volunteer either a morning or an afternoon each week - this is something that will be discussed at the selection stage, after you’ve applied.
Why volunteer with Save the Children?
In over 110 countries, we support children to transform their lives. By providing live-saving short-term help, and pushing for deep-rooted social change, we help children take, their future into their own hands. We believe every child has the right to learn. Every child should have good food to fuel their bodies and every child should have medicine when they're sick.
Skills and experiences we seek
We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need any retail or shop experience as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning and to follow our policies as well as be an excellent representative for Save the Children.
We know that our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities. Everybody can make a real difference. People come to us for all sorts of reasons, from all backgrounds, and we will do what we can to find a role that works for you.
What happens next?
After you’ve filled in an application, we will invite you for an informal trial shift. It’s a great opportunity to visit the shop, meet some of our existing volunteers and have a go at some of the tasks that you would be supporting with as a shop volunteer. Hopefully allowing you to get a feel for the role and make sure it’s for you. We also ask for a couple of references (these don’t have to be formal workplace ones, just someone who has known you for over 6 months and isn’t related).
How to apply
Express your interest on email via the apply button.
Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Amazing, giving, and inspiring are a few words we would use to describe our volunteers.
Our volunteers play an integral part in the services we provide and the people we support. If you are looking for a rewarding role where you will really make a difference whilst gaining experience along the way, then join us here at Rethink Mental Illness.
About the role
We are looking for Volunteer Befrienders to support our Brent Mental Health service in the London Borough of Brent.
As a Volunteer Befriender, you will be required to travel across Brent to meet with service users and carry out your role. Ideally, you will be able to commit a minimum of 2 hours per week to volunteering.
You will be supported by Befriending Volunteer Coordinators who will provide regular supervision to ensure you feel confident in your role. You can read more about the benefits of volunteering on the full advert on our website.
About the service
Our Brent Mental Health service provides support to people aged 18 and above who live in the Borough of Brent, and who have a mental illness and are known to the local NHS trust, Central and North West London (CNWL).
The aim of the Befriending Service is to;
- Reduce social isolation of service users
- Increase the confidence of service users in accessing community resources independently
- Provide meaningful activities and peer support for service users
- Help service users to live happier, healthier, independent lives
- Provide volunteering opportunities for people with mental health issues
- Reduce stigma and raise mental health awareness
What you will be doing as a Volunteer Befriender:
- Meeting with service users in locations and times which meet their needs (including evenings and weekends)
- Provide befriending support to a maximum of 2 service users at any one time
- Provide emotional support based on your own lived experience
- Support service users to access and build social and community networks and activities
- Act as a community connector to local services
What will make you a great fit for this role?
- You will have good communication skills
- You will be flexible in order to meet the needs of the service users
If you would like to express an interest in this opportunity, please complete an application as soon as possible, as the advert may close early if we receive a high level of interest.
Who are we?
We’re Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support thousands of people through our groups, services, policy, campaigns and advice and information. Our work supports us in delivering on our mission: “A better life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.”
It is an exciting time to join our growing charity. We are on a transformation journey, one that supports the delivery of the organisation strategy – delivering Communities that Care. Supporting employees, managers and leaders through this change is a key priority for the People function. Just like its key that we attract diverse people to come and work for us.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
Diversity is important to us and we appreciate difference through difference, inclusiveness and belonging. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world, our society and the diverse communities we’re working with. By including everyone, we are able to draw on the unique experiences and expertise of our people to help shape and enrich our workplace and improve our services. One way we are doing is through our valued staff networks which play a critical and highly valued role in keeping us focused on creating a diverse, inclusive and engaged employer. We recognise and support staff networks for our Black, Asian and minority ethnic and our LGBTQIA+ colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status and are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter.
Becoming a truly anti-racist organisation
We have an ambition of become a truly anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider - and in our efforts to influence policy and wider societal factors impacting on mental health set out in our anti-racist statement . We have designed a multi-year anti-racist programme of work contained in our Race Equality Action Plan which demonstrate our intention to hold ourselves accountable and be judged on our progress on becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.
We therefore actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including applicants with lived experience, those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (or questioning), Intersex and (asexual) (LGBTQIA+), people with a disability, and people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds.
We’re Rethink Mental Illness and no matter how bad things are, we can help people severely affected by mental illness to improve their lives.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
The role in a nutshell:
Lead volunteers help to keep Age UK charity shops running like clockwork and are an essential part of our retail division. Our charity shops raise vital funds, which aid and support a wide range of services which Age UK delivers. If you have some free time available and have a passion for retail management, we can help you find a new sense of purpose in your life.
What will you be doing?
As this is such a key role, the task list for this role is understandably lengthy.
Key activities include but are not limited to the following:
•To assist in the security of the shop and its stock, and bank takings when required. Opening the shop or securing the shop at close of business when required.
•Ensure cash handling processes and procedures are adhered to and exchanges and refunds actioned promptly.
•Ensure Health & Safety regulations are understood and complied with; Alcumus (incident reporting and health & safety check recording system) understood and completed.
•Ensure compliance with all organisational policies and procedures.
•Always deliver great customer service.
•Support other volunteers, ensuring gift aid is captured on both donations and sales.
•Provide training and support on the till to other volunteers as required.
•General retail duties - again not limited to but including- accepting donations (stock or cash), promote gift aid, operate till, take phone calls and deal with enquiries, keeping the shop clean and tidy, pricing, displaying and sale of donated goods and merchandise. Deal with refunds and customer complaints.
•Live Age UK’s values; follow our code of conduct and our Diversity; Equity and Inclusion policy.
How would you be supported in this role?
When you become part of our team, you will receive a mixture of e-learning and ‘on the job practical training,’ to get you started. As you progress in the role, you will receive refresher training and ongoing support. We will also reimburse ‘role-related expenses’ and provide further opportunity to shape the volunteering that you do. To be a Lead Volunteer we do have a specific training plan we would need you to complete.
Why do we need volunteers in this role?
Lead volunteers have an important part to play in the ongoing success of our retail division, as they help us raise funds though our shops, to reach and support more older people. Occasionally we find ourselves in a position where no paid staff are available to open the shop which disappoints customers and donors alike; and decreases the funds we can raise to support people in later life. Lead volunteers give an additional layer of flexibility to help us keep our doors open.
Additional information:
We offer a wide variety of flexible shifts for volunteers, to fit around your personal circumstances. However for this role there will be times when we do make a specific ask of you.
What skills, interests or experience might be helpful in this role?
We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. For this role, previous experience of working in retail would be a real advantage; and you would need to show commitment and regular attendance to ensure you are fully up to speed with our policy and procedures; and what’s going on in the shop. If you are looking for a career in retail and looking to gain some crucial experience this could be the ideal role for you-equally if you are retired but keen to keep your hand in; we could really benefit from your experience! Therefore, if you are a team player and open to learning whilst following Age UKs policies, you will be an excellent addition to our ever-growing team of amazing volunteers. Our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities, so we will do our absolute best to find a role that works for you.
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